The hike to Ebenalp and Aescher Hut stands out as one of the top-rated and most scenic trails in the Alpstein region of Appenzell, Switzerland. This exceptional pathway seamlessly combines the awe-inspiring beauty of the Swiss Alps with the captivating allure of the IG-famous Aescher Hut, a mountain retreat nestled right into the cliffside!

To get to Ebenalp, you need to first get to Wasserauen, situated in the northeast of Switzerland near the Liechtenstein border. If you're coming from Zurich, it's just a 2-hour drive by car. However, i there isn't a major city nearby; it typically takes over 2 hours to journey from Chur, Lucerne, or Bern to reach Wasserauen.
Many train routes will take you to Gossau station first, where you can then transfer to Wasserauen station. Conveniently, Wasserauen station is situated close to the trailhead, allowing you to start your hike right after stepping off the train.

For hikers:

The hike begins in Wasserauen and follows the Schwendebach stream until you reach a big rock called Forscherstein, which is well-known for climbing. From there, the path continues left through a dark and chilly forest. After a short while, you'll arrive at Alp Bommen, then pass by the Gartenwald Ski Lift. The final part of the hike involves a steep ascent through fields. Once you reach the top, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view from Ebenalp, spanning from the Appenzellerland to Lake Constance.Check the hiking map here

Total distance: 3.99 km

Ascent: 734m

Duration: 2.5 hours

For non-hikers:

If you are here just for the scenries but don't intend to do much strenuous hiking, you can take the cable car (located next to the carpark) up to Ebenalp and then walk the short way down (20 mins) to Aescher Cliff Restaurant. The restaurant can get very crowded and no reservation is allowed so try to hike there early in the morning.

Return Tickets for the cablecar costs 36CHF with the Swiss Travel Pass/ Half-fare card. Check the full price

here.